When Jesus was in Gethsemene, He was deeply grieved – to the point of death, it says.
Matt 26:36 – 46.
When our hearts are open, temptation can enter in.
The crucifixion was imminent. Who wouldnt be tempted to avoid that?
You can tell a spirit of witchcraft was present because the boys couldnt stay awake. Elijah had the same issue after Jezebel cursed him. He ate and fell asleep. Then slept more. Slumber accompanies witchcraft.
1 Kings 19
5 Then he lay down and fell asleep under a broom tree; but behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, “Arise, eat!” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a round loaf of bread baked on hot coals, and a pitcher of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. 7 But the angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him, and said, “Arise, eat; because the journey is too long for you.”
Witchcraft = rebellion. Rebel against God’s will – in this case, crucifixion.
Jesus’ remedy for that temptation was to watch and pray.
It took Him 3 times for it to pass. Not My will but Yours.
Rebellion is our will in spite of God’s.
When we fear an outcome, we can start to move into our will over God’s. No trust. Anything not of faith is sin. Sin = death. Our will turns things upside down perhaps. Rebellion.
3 times, He prayed.
As the temple guards approached, we see that Jesus had victory. He submitted to the will of His Father completely.
The rest is history.